US Navy takes delivery of 15th Spearhead-class fast transport

The US Navy took delivery of its 15th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF) on Tuesday, June 24.

USNS Point Loma is the second EPF flight II vessel that Austal USA has delivered to the US Navy following USNS Cody, which was handed over in January 2024.

The navy said the EPF recently completed a formal acceptance trial, "with excellent scores overall and no significant deficiencies."

EPF flight II vessels feature enhanced naval medicine afloat capabilities and will provide critical combat care in austere and contested operating environments.

Point Loma has a length of 337 feet (103 metres), a beam of 93.5 feet (28.5 metres), and a draught of 12.5 feet (3.83 metres).

The vessel will also be capable of operating in shallow waterways and undertaking a wide range of activities including the high-speed transportation of troops, military vehicles such as main battle tanks, and equipment totalling 544 tons up to 1,200 nautical miles.

Point Loma is named after the San Diego seaside community with a long-standing naval presence. Point Loma, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and the San Diego River, is home to Naval Base Point Loma.